Description
What is a Birth Certificate (UK)?: Official record of birth issued by the General Register Office (GRO) or local register, proving identity and citizenship.
Category: Civil Record (Birth, Death, Marriage certificate)
Can I Legalise?: Your birth certificate can be legalised.
Acceptable Formats for Legalisation:
FCDO can only accept the document in the following format:
- Your original UK birth certificate or a certified copy issued by one of the following:
- General Register Office (GRO)
- Local Register Office
- National Records of Scotland (NRS)
- General Register Office Northern Ireland (GRONI)
- Overseas Registration Unit in the UK
- We are unable to legalise photocopies or DRAFT certificates.
Requires Solicitor/Notary Certification?: No, but original must contain a wet ink signature or a seal from the issuing authority.
Requires Submission as Originals?: Yes (unless certified copy).
important Notes: No photocopies/drafts. Wet ink signature/seal.
Common Use: Passports, visas, citizenship applications.
Requires Embassy Attestation?: Yes, for non-Hague countries (e.g., UAE, Qatar).